OFFICIAL LG G3 Thread: Lets talk about the G3....

[cmdrdredd]

Yes very true. Given the small sensors on smart phones, long shutter speeds often come into play in anything but good light, and OIS really becomes important at that point.

And yes, there's no smartphone that will ever replace a full size camera with a large sensor and fast prime lens. Due to the size constraint we're limited by pure physics. For anything that requires quality my m4/3 and prime lenses come along with me.

BTW after seeing some additional samples by PhoneArena and AndroidCentral the G3's camera does seem to be quite good. If it is in fact the same sensor then a lot of the improvement seems to have come from software processing. Due to the lack of RAW support in Android as of now the initial software processing becomes just that much more important.

Also, for video, LG's OIS+ is far and away better than any other Android device. Many can shoot quality 4k video but can't stabilize it well or at all (as in the Galaxy S5's case!).

One of Android Central's editors said that he was told by LG the sensor on the G3 is not the same as the G2. Either way, the G3 is definitely an improvement over the G2 from the results that we've seen thus far.

Eventually I think we will see cameras in phones that are about what you're getting from an entry level DSLR. I don't think we are there yet. It may take a few more years refinement.

 

[GregoryWE]

Eventually I think we will see cameras in phones that are about what you're getting from an entry level DSLR. I don't think we are there yet. It may take a few more years refinement.

I'd say yes and no... I think it depends on what type of scene is actually being photographed. For well lit scenes, I'd say many smartphones already produce quality that for most intents and purposes is pretty close to a kit lens DSLR, assuming you're not going to be trying to get a large print of the photo.

One area smartphones will never be able to compete is narrow depth of field. A large aperture lens on a large sensor camera can isolate the subject even if the subject is more than a few feet away from the camera. Smartphones can produce a narrow depth of field, but only if the subject is very close to the lens and the background is far away (basically the ideal conditions). Thus, with portraits for example, where you're not going to be 4" away from someone's face, there there will never be a replacement.

The exception here is the software tricks for simulating narrow depth of field. HTC's implementation is rather poor, but there are a few others that can produce results that are half convincing in the right situation and if not looking too closely at edges.

Another is telephoto. To keep the slim form factor, all conventional smartphones are prime / fixed focal length lenses. With an interchangeable lens camera, you can swap your fast prime lens with a telephoto lens and achieve full resolution quality unlike a digital zoom that smartphones are limited to.

Finally, one last area that I don't see smartphones being able to compete in is low light motion (or most low light situations for that matter). You absolutely need a large sensor to collect enough light indoors to have a fast shutter speed and avoid motion blur of a moving subject. Smartphones will be limited to smallish sensors by the laws of physics. If they were to use a much larger sensor, the lens would need to be larger as well, and this isn't something a slim body can accommodate. The Nokia PureView 808 is a good example of this. If you want a larger sensor, you need a larger body to accomodate it. The 808 is a great camera but still is no replacement for a DSLR. Its sensor is smaller, its lens is fixed wide angle, and it doesn't handle as well (there's a reason why DSLRs have so many physical buttons and dials). In some situations it will match a DSLR, but it doesn't have the same versatility. I would love to see an Android phone designed similarly to the 808. The Galaxy Zooms aren't really on the same level as they sacrifice the large sensor for optical zoom (and personally, I would much rather have a larger sensor and higher quality lens than a long zoom lens).

With all that said, I'm quite happy with the improvement in quality we've seen over the last several years. With my next phone I'll be quite comfortable leaving my pocket point & shoot at home while still bringing my true camera with me for when I require the higher quality and better versatility.

 

[cmdrdredd]

All true, but I think the quality of the sensor will go up enough and the software be good enough that it can get the quality up there to a more...I dunno the word I'm looking for, maybe professional level? I mean a photo taken on a phone always looks amateur to me. Good enough for most but lacking just a bit of accuracy and clarity. This can be cleaned up I'm sure.

It's not a concern for me, but I'm all for increases in quality.

 

[kaerflog]

Did I say it was a dealbreaker? Or are you reading the top portion of my comment which was not even about the G3?

I'm saying its my preference to have quick physical access to the volume keys. I illustrated a case where my phone is on a handsfree dock like this:

It's far easier to have buttons on the side in this case so I can quickly adjust the volume (remember, output volume is a combination of the BT volume AND car speaker volume).

And while you bring up a good point that I can swipe down and adjust the volume while keeping the phone facing up, it's an extra step.

Once again I'm just stating my preference. No need to get your panties in a bunch.



I think its the fact that they're using the same exact sensor as last year. OPO and Samsung went to IMX214. Anyway, as a Nexus user, I'm sure the camera is still a step up for me.

Edit: It may be using the IMX214 based on some other evidence, but there hasn't been full confirmation yet.

Clearly my panties aren't in a bunch as you are the one whining about a non issue.
I mean swiping down and using the in screen volume takes that that much more time that you have to complain about it.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Clearly my panties aren't in a bunch as you are the one whining about a non issue.
I mean swiping down and using the in screen volume takes that that much more time that you have to complain about it.

Okay Mr. I-Can't-Tolerate-Anyone-With-A-Different-Preference. You may be fine with it, but not everyone else has to love it.

 

[Anubis]

Are you serious ???
You swipe to bring the menu down and there's a slider to adjust your volume right there.
People who say the buttons on the back is a deal breaker is laughable.
That's like me saying the buttons on the side is a deal breaker for me.
Sure its a preference but a deal breaker ?? Common....

he makes a valid point, and I agree with him 100%
I thought the back buttons were stupid when the G2 came out and yes its a deal breaker for me

 

[dawheat]

Apps that let you swipe up/down one edge of the screen to change volume make me happy. I always wonder why other apps don't do it like MX Player.

 

[mnewsham]

I thought the back buttons were stupid when the G2 came out and yes its a deal breaker for me

I'm assuming you never spent more than 20 minutes with a G2 then. After literally 2 days you wont want side buttons.

 

[Rdmkr]

The funny thing about OIS is people were complaining about the 1/6 and 1/8 shutter speeds on the Nexus 5 and in the 4.4.2 camera update they sped up the shutter. So it's not taking full advantage of OIS in the end. Not sure how the G2 and G3 choose shutter speeds though.

I think the G2 had a very low default shutter speed and while this complemented OIS well, it was the cause of serious focus lag. with the G3 they can afford to drive it down even further without causing problems in the focusing the department thanks to the laser autofocus.

 

[Red Storm]

I'm assuming you never spent more than 20 minutes with a G2 then. After literally 2 days you wont want side buttons.

This. I never used the back buttons, knock on/off and volume controls in the notification area took care of everything.

 

[you2]

I *think* dice player did it before mx (one side is volume the other is brightness)

Apps that let you swipe up/down one edge of the screen to change volume make me happy. I always wonder why other apps don't do it like MX Player.

 

[Sweepr]

Does anyone know if the Korean model works with LTE-2600 (Band 7)?

 

[Anubis]

I'm assuming you never spent more than 20 minutes with a G2 then. After literally 2 days you wont want side buttons.

no i did
i operate my phone a lot when its in my pocket or the screen is turned off, side buttons can be used with 1 hand while looking at the screen sitting on a desk or when its in a pocket, the back ones can not

 

[Wingznut]

There's really no point in arguing about the buttons on the back. Some may like them, some may not, some may not give a rat's ass either way.

Are they different than most phones? Yes.
Is it easy to get used to? Like most trivial things in life, yes.
Are they a deal breaker? For me, not at all. For someone else, quite possibly.

Who cares? Not everyone has to have the exact same opinion about everything.

 

[mnewsham]

no i did
i operate my phone a lot when its in my pocket or the screen is turned off, side buttons can be used with 1 hand while looking at the screen sitting on a desk or when its in a pocket, the back ones can not

what...? How can't they be? I...what?!

The only scenario where you couldnt use the back buttons is if it was laying on a table and you couldnt just pick it up. There is no reason you can't use it while its in your pocket. or anything else.

 

[Rdmkr]

I do it regularly. lol @ "can't"

 

[fstime]

Anyone know the release date for the US market or an estimate?

 

[RaulF]

Rumor is end of June.

I did read somewhere it would be July.

 

[Sweepr]

The Verge Review: http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/4/5778556/lg-g3-review
They describe it as ''A phone worth waiting for''

Damn, can't wait till July, I'm almost buying the Korean version @ eBay

 

[richierich1212]

The Verge Review: http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/4/5778556/lg-g3-review
They describe it as ''A phone worth waiting for''

Damn, can't wait till July, I'm almost buying the Korean version @ eBay

Just like that, my anxiousness intensifies.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Yeah that is a really positive write up. I am tempted to eat the ETF on one line (only 30 days left) to get it immediately at release if it comes before my contract is up.

 

[kaerflog]

no i did
i operate my phone a lot when its in my pocket or the screen is turned off, side buttons can be used with 1 hand while looking at the screen sitting on a desk or when its in a pocket, the back ones can not

Do you even know what you're saying ??
Back buttons can't be used when its in a pocket ?? WTH ??
When phone sitting on a desk. Double tap to turn on/off. Pull down to adjust volume.
The other guy was right. Obviously you've never used it for more than 20 mins.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

My only concern, as with the HTC One, is the size. Coming from the iPhone, any phone is going to be massive, but I kinda have an interest in getting something bigger than the Moto X. When I witnessed the HTC One at Best Buy, it felt so tall, but that may very well be based on the speakers on top and bottom, which make it appear taller than it needs to be (that said, I think the speakers are cool and are very useful).

If they made a 5 inch version of this phone, I'd be plenty happy at that size. This is tempting though for how much screen they fit into a small size. The Verge claims it's not the most comfortable to use though, which is really important to me. I can't really tell if I use my phone with one or two hands most of the time, but I feel like I use one hand a lot.

Decisions decisions. Gonna have to go play with the HTC One again in stores, and the LG G3 when it's out!

 

[dawheat]

My only concern, as with the HTC One, is the size. Coming from the iPhone, any phone is going to be massive, but I kinda have an interest in getting something bigger than the Moto X. When I witnessed the HTC One at Best Buy, it felt so tall, but that may very well be based on the speakers on top and bottom, which make it appear taller than it needs to be (that said, I think the speakers are cool and are very useful).

If they made a 5 inch version of this phone, I'd be plenty happy at that size. This is tempting though for how much screen they fit into a small size. The Verge claims it's not the most comfortable to use though, which is really important to me. I can't really tell if I use my phone with one or two hands most of the time, but I feel like I use one hand a lot.

Decisions decisions. Gonna have to go play with the HTC One again in stores, and the LG G3 when it's out!

I have to imagine it's a limitation of the 1440p screen today - that they weren't able to have a 5.2" screen ready. 5.5" seems to be the sweet spot right now as both LG and Oppo's 1440p screens are that size.

No doubt it's a great phone - but I think your feedback is what's going to bite LG a bit, as most people still want a 5" sized phone - and not the oversized Sony Z2 necessarily.

The LG G Pro 2 is 5.9" and a bit larger than the Note 3 due to its good screen to size ratio. The G3 is a bit smaller than the Note 3. There's not a clear difference in size between their 'phablet' and their mainstream flagship. I think a lot of 'normal' phone buyers are going to hold it and have the Note 3 reaction - I like it but it's just too big.

I wish they included a S5 as even though it has grown in size, it's noticeably smaller than any of these phones.
M8, Z2, G3, Note 3, One Maxx

 

[you2]

the two issues that I have not seen covered in the reviews is how well the display works outside and the quality of the sound (which totally sucked on the G2).